Yes, this is true. Their client program for GNU/Linux though seems to be
libre (I am not sure). Their client for an Android operating system does
contain binary blobs and makes a use of things like Google Play Services and
HockeySDK, as described here:
https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.telegram.messenger/
This is a libereted fork that can be downloaded using F-Droid, but I
personally see no reason to install it either.
Here, in Russia, I saw their dirty business game. It is awful! They played
that game with roskomnadzor and became more popular over users, who
erroneously believe that Telegram defends their freedom and privacy. No one
should trust this company built by creators of VK - the biggest surveillance
engine in Russia.
They say that their servers are located in different places. This is not how
federation works. How does it matter, if all of them are controlled by one
company? Facebook surely has a lot of server farms around the globe too..
All in all, community doesn't have Telegram. Telegram does have community.
This is a good example of open-source politics. They only need it to be
bug-free and popular.
